Modelling by WPI Strategy has revealed the substantial cost and energy savings that 5G-powered IoT technologies could bring to public buildings across the UK.
The study suggests that implementing digital twins, IoT devices, and smart sensors could save the average town of 40,000 residents up to £350,000 annually on energy bills. When scaled nationwide, these savings amount to £580 million per year across public buildings.
The research comes at a critical time, as a poll of 2,000 UK adults found that 92% are concerned about the future of their local facilities. Three-quarters of respondents reported witnessing the closure of libraries, leisure centres, and even schools due to lack of council funding. Alarmingly, figures show that 1,000 swimming pools have closed in England since 2010 alone.
Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone UK, emphasised the importance of these findings: “We believe that a best-in-class 5G network would provide a much-needed economic boost to the public purse, saving £580 million of taxpayer money, while also helping to decarbonise the public estate.”
The power of 5G Standalone (SA) lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate numerous connected devices and sensors with IoT across heating, cooling, and lighting systems. This integration allows for precise monitoring of energy use and identification of efficiencies. For instance, combining IoT with motion sensors can measure inhabitants’ work patterns and building energy consumption with extreme accuracy, enabling targeted adjustments.
One of the most promising technologies highlighted in the study is the use of ‘digital twins’—highly accurate virtual representations of buildings that utilise real-time data from sensors to simulate behaviour and monitor operations. These digital replicas allow engineers to study buildings remotely in detail, identify potential efficiencies, predict faults, and address issues proactively.
However, to fully harness these benefits, towns require the stable and reliable connection provided by a 5G SA network that offers the necessary high capacity and low latency.
Beyond the significant financial savings, the implementation of these IoT technologies could play a crucial role in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. The energy savings across the public estate could potentially remove 1.43 million tonnes of CO2e per year—equivalent to the annual electricity usage of almost 300,000 homes.
This environmental impact aligns with current government targets to reduce carbon emissions in the UK by 68% by 2030 and 77% by 2035. The annual carbon saving of 17% in the public estate, achieved through 5G-powered technologies, could significantly contribute to these goals.
Despite the potential benefits, the study revealed a lack of awareness among the public, with 66% of respondents unaware of the impact technology can have on reducing energy usage in buildings.
As part of its proposed merger with Three UK, Vodafone UK has committed to delivering 5G SA to 95% of the population by 2030 and 99% by 2034. This rollout includes a pledge to reach every school and hospital across the nation by 2030, potentially providing a substantial boost to local communities and supporting the UK’s net zero journey.
As local councils face increasing financial pressures and communities witness the closure of vital facilities, the adoption of IoT solutions could play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing public services while contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals.
Vodafone has created an interactive infographic to visualise how IoT technologies can improve the average UK town.
(Photo by Edson Rosas)
See also: Real-time water quality sensors installed at wild swimming locations
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